"BTW, I thought it was interesting that the word independent never appears in the Bible."Yep, you're right! (I pulled out the Concordance to be sure! LOL)
The whole concept of "independent" is foreign to biblical thought, for it is God's purpose to bring us to unity (not 'unison'), e.g., per John 17. The concept of Trinity shows perfect unity.
With that thought as a foundation, other concepts become clearer: submission, esteeming others better than self, loving enemies, and so forth.
My, my! You've got me started! LOL
The word "Trinity" never shows up either, but you believe in that concept.
That's the nature of rebellion. People say they want a leader, but they reserve to themselves a veto when things don't go the way they want. The concept is very much "the backseat driver," neither leading, nor following.
I always think it hilarious that the churches are full of single/divorced women secretly praying God will send them a man (when what they are really asking for is a prince charming). That would be fine except none of them happen to be the fairy princess worthy of a prince charming.